The Bundesturnier 2026 is part of the Swiss Chess Tour, hosted in the cultural capital of Basel. This traditional Swiss event combines competitive spirit with accessibility for all levels. With FIDE rating, multiple categories, and a generous prize fund, the Bundesturnier has become a popular highlight of the Swiss chess calendar.
📌 Event Details
| 📅 Dates | 14 – 17 May 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Basel, Switzerland |
| 🏟️ Venue | Volkshaus Basel, Rebgasse 12–14, 4058 Basel |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | FIDE-rated International Open |
| 🧩 Tournament System | 7-round Swiss System |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 7 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes for the game + 30 seconds increment per move from move 1 |
| ⏰ Default Time | 30 minutes |
| 🧮 Tie-breaks | Buchholz, Sonneborn–Berger, Direct Encounter |
| 🏢 Organizer | Swiss Chess Tour |
| ✉️ Email | info@swisschesstour.com |
| 🔗 Website | swisschesstour.com |
💰 Prize Fund
Total prize fund: CHF 4,000 (pro-rata if very low entries; one prize per player; presence required at award ceremony).
| Place | Prize (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 1st | 1200 |
| 2nd | 800 |
| 3rd | 600 |
| 4th | 400 |
| 5th | 300 |
| 6th | 250 |
| 7th | 200 |
| 8th | 150 |
| 9th | 100 |
| 10th | 100 |
Additional category prizes (Elo groups, juniors, seniors, women) are foreseen depending on entries.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Event / Round | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, 14 May | Opening Ceremony & Round 1 | 18:00 |
| Fri, 15 May | Round 2 · Round 3 | 09:30 · 15:30 |
| Sat, 16 May | Round 4 · Round 5 | 09:30 · 15:30 |
| Sun, 17 May | Round 6 · Round 7 | 09:30 · 15:30 |
| Sun, 17 May | Award Ceremony | After Round 7 |
📝 Registration
- Entry Fee: CHF 100 (standard) · CHF 70 (U18 / Seniors 65+)
- IMs/GMs: Reduced or free entry depending on conditions.
- FIDE ID required for all players.
- Registration via the Swiss Chess Tour website.
- Deadline: 10 May 2026 (late entries subject to approval).
🏢 Organizer
The Swiss Chess Tour is a renowned series of tournaments across Switzerland, promoting competitive play with professional conditions, inclusive categories, and strong international participation.
✉️ info@swisschesstour.com · 🌍 swisschesstour.com
🏟️ Venue
Volkshaus Basel — centrally located near the Rhine, the venue offers excellent playing conditions, modern facilities, and easy access by public transport.
🛏️ Accommodation
Basel offers a wide range of hotels and guesthouses. Recommended options near Volkshaus Basel include:
- Hotel Wettstein (mid-range, 5 minutes from venue)
- Hyperion Hotel Basel (modern, near Messe Basel)
- Ibis Styles Basel City (budget-friendly)
Players are encouraged to book early as Basel is a popular destination in spring.
🚉 How to Get There
- By Air: EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL) with frequent shuttle connections.
- By Train: Basel SBB main station with international links (Zurich, Paris, Frankfurt, Milan).
- By Car: Easy access via Swiss highway network; parking available near venue.
The Bundesturnier 2026 in Basel promises four days of high-quality chess, strong international participation, and the unique cultural atmosphere of Switzerland’s Rhine city.
Organizer
The Swiss Chess Tour stands as Switzerland’s foremost circuit of open tournaments, dedicated to promoting over-the-board chess across the country’s most scenic regions. Since its inception, the Tour has organized marquee events such as the Lenzerheide Amateur, the Pontresina Open, the Biel Masters, and the Lugano Summer Festival, drawing both aspiring talents and seasoned grandmasters. Each tournament under the Swiss Chess Tour banner features FIDE-rated, norm-eligible formats, live digital pairings, and professional side-events—ensuring a world-class experience for every participant.
Beyond its flagship opens, the Swiss Chess Tour sustains year-round activity through rapid and blitz series, scholastic workshops, and community outreach in partnership with local clubs and cultural institutions. Tournament Director Claudio Boschetti and his team of certified International Arbiters deliver precise pairings, clear rule enforcement, and multilingual support. Their commitment to hospitality extends to curated excursion packages—lake cruises, mountain tram rides, and guided Old-Town tours—that blend competitive chess with Swiss cultural immersion.